Habs Daily Recap: Feb. 8th

Today was the 47th birthday of former Habs captain and assistant coach Kirk Muller. It was a blow to the Canadiens when Muller was not kept on in the coaching system, however, Kirk deserved more. He is currently head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canadiens had an optional skate this morning after playing back-to-back games against the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres. Those missing from the practice: Prust, Gionta, Gorges, Bourque, Bouillon, Diaz, Emelin and Markov as well as Therrien. It would have been nice to have clinched at least one victory in those two games but they have to focus on tomorrow against the Leafs.

Photo: John Ulan, La Presse

Chris Campoli, a late signing by the Canadiens last season, has finally found work but not in North America. He will head to Switzerland to play for Genève-Servette in the NLA. Campoli played a big part during the lockout but will not be taking part in the new CBA, at least for now. Kind of surprising considering the teams that need help on the blue line, however, I bet many recall his blunder while with Chicago in the playoffs as well as his most recent play with the Habs.

According to TSN’s John Lu, Michel Therrien and Ryan White met early in the morning but what was discussed was not revealed by either of them. It is unknown whether or not White will dress for the game against Toronto but many fans and some media believe it is unlikely that he plays. If he does not make it into the line up, he will have to be back at some point to redeem himself. White will learn from his mistakes.

From the CHC Foundation, if you’re attending the game tomorrow – bring a new or used pair of skates and you have a chance to win a great prize. Also, if you haven’t yet but would still like to donate $27.00 to receive a Galchenyuk tuque, do so here before the end of the month.

Two scouts from the Edmonton Oilers’ organization were in attendance at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton for the Bulldogs vs Wolves game. Their AHL affiliate, the Barons, do not play the Bulldogs until April. Hamilton lost 3-0 against Vancouver’s affiliate, Chicago, a game that seemed lost in the opening minutes. The Bulldogs looked like a completely different team from the one that defeated the Marlies at Ricoh on Wednesday.

In addition, Marty Lapointe was behind the bench for the Bulldogs as Ron Wilson was let go not too long ago. Also, Morgan Ellis won Bulldogs “Top Shots” shooting accuracy competition for the season.

Photo: Pierre Obendrauf, Gazette

Saku Koivu is having a good start to the season for the Anaheim Ducks. The Gazette’s Dave Stubbs caught up with him, which you can read here. I am one of those fans who would love to see Saku back in Montreal one day, even if that meant pulling a Modano just so he retires as a Canadien. Make it happen Bergevin.

The second episode of the 24CH series will air tomorrow (the 9th) on RDS at 6pm ET and repeated at 10:30pm. It is only a half an hour long.

Both the Canadiens and Leafs will have their morning skates at the Bell Centre; closed to the public.

If you went to the Bulldogs-Wolves game or you had tickets but could not make it, your ticket can be redeemed for the March 10th game against Grand Rapids. The Bulldogs will start redeeming those tickets on Monday.

Prospects Update:
– Archambault collected two assists and a minor penalty Drummondville’s 4-3 loss.
– Dietz had a strong night, finished with two goals, one assist, a minor penalty and a +2 rating.
– Hudon racked up 4PIM as Chicoutimi was shutout 5-0, he is pointless in the last 4 matches.
– Thrower had a -1 rating in Saskatoon’s victory over Swift Current.
– Bennett tallied an assist and a -3 rating in Michigan’s loss.
– Cichy stays even for the third game in a row.
– Didier didn’t record a point and stayed even in his team’s tie.
– Kristo had a goal and an assist with a +2 rating against Nebraska.
– MacMillan remained even in North Dakota’s 2-1 win.
– Schultz had an assist.

Someone wake Erik Cole up, it’s a short season. Drive the net.

Like this:

LikeLoading...

About Michael Gomez
Started AATH as something fun to do, became a lot more serious right after that. You can follow me on Twitter: @Mike_Habs as well as AATH's Twitter: @AATHabs
View all posts by Michael Gomez →

Overview: The Canadiens finished 9-3-2 in the month of February, capturing 20 out of the possible 26 points. The Habs beat the Leafs on both occasions this month. Unfortunately, the Habs had disappointing losses to both the Buffalo Sabres and the Edmonton Oilers. Let’s take a deeper look on how this month really went. MVP […]